Battery Module Case Attachment Mechanism for Specification Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing battery module manufacturing processes require separate equipment to detect specification differences in components, leading to increased equipment costs due to the need for multiple types of battery modules with varying specifications.

Innovation Solution

A battery manufacturing apparatus with a first attachment mechanism for components with different specifications on one case and a second attachment mechanism for components with no specification differences on the other case, eliminating the need for detection equipment by collectively attaching components to one case.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If detection equipment is disposed to detect specification differences in components, then battery modules with erroneous specifications can be prevented, but equipment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of erroneous battery module specificationsVSAvoidequipment costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of detecting specification differences to prevent errors, the invention inverts the approach by making the case itself carry the specification information through attached components. The upper case with specification-differentiating components serves as the identifier, eliminating the need for detection equipment while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The case structure itself performs the identification function that would otherwise require separate detection equipment. By attaching specification-differentiating components to the upper case, the system uses its own structure to convey specification information, making the detection process unnecessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of battery modules are produced with different component specifications, then product versatility is improved, but equipment complexity increases due to need for detection equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction of multiple battery module typesVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the specification information into physical components attached to the upper case. Different component configurations on the upper case represent different specifications, allowing multiple battery module types to be produced without requiring complex detection equipment to manage the variety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10008733B2Battery manufacturing apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 ENVISION AESC JAPAN LTD

AI summary

A battery manufacturing apparatus is configured to produce a plurality of types of battery modules (first battery module and second battery module) having a cell unit (flat battery) housed inside a case having an upper case and a lower case and having different specifications between a plurality of components (bolted brackets and sleeves) attached to the case. The battery manufacturing apparatus has a first attachment mechanism, a second attachment mechanism and a battery housing mechanism. The first attachment mechanism attaches to one of the upper case and the lower case of the plurality of components having different specifications. The second attachment mechanism attaches to one of the upper case and the lower case of the plurality of components having no specification differences. The battery housing mechanism has a flat battery arranged between the upper case and the lower case.